Net Censorship Abusers "Honored" Through Comeuppance

The Electronic Frontier Foundation today unveiled its latest effort to haul Internet censorship abusers into the spotlight and in front of the crowds that they presumably dread. The Takedown Hall of Shame “focuses on the most egregious examples of takedown abuse, including an example of a YouTube video National Public Radio tried to remove just this week that criticizes same-sex marriage,” according to the EFF’s announcement of the site. Amusingly, the EFF is choosing to call individuals and organizations who make it to the Hall of Shame “honorees.” Among other honorees, NBC gets a nod for requesting removal of an Obama campaign video and CBS is recognized for targeting a McCain video in the important months before the 2008 election.

“Free speech in the 21st century often depends on incorporating video clips and other content from various sources,” Corynne McSherry, EFF senior staff attorney and Kahle Promise fellow, said in announcing the site. “It’s what ‘The Daily Show with Jon Stewart’ does every night. This is ‘fair use’ of copyrighted or trademarked material and protected under U.S. law. But that hasn’t stopped thin-skinned corporations and others from abusing the legal system to get these new works removed from the Internet. We wanted to document this censorship for all to see.”

EFF activist Richard Esguerra has added that the Hall of Shame’s overseers will pay special attention to misuses of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The EFF has a long history of fighting and winning legal battles that surround the DMCA.